Historical term used in classical Chinese and early Japanese contexts to refer to non-Chinese or non-Japanese peoples, often with a derogatory nuance. Not used in modern neutral description.
In ancient China, surrounding ethnic groups were called 'i' (barbarians).
expulsion of foreigners
barbarian; savage · foreigner
barbaric custom; barbarian custom
Emishi allied with the central government (ritsuryō period)
From classical Chinese, where it was used as a general term for non-Chinese peoples, often with a pejorative connotation. Adopted into Japanese with similar historical usage.